THE FARNESE HOURS

KIRKUS REVIEW

The latest addition to the Braziller series reproducing distinguished illuminated manuscripts, the 16th-century Farnese Hours now in the Morgan Library in New York, was hailed by Vasari for its virtuosity and disparaged in modern times for being florid and derivative. Today it is valued again as a prime example of Mannerism--that mixture of styles that exalts artifice and stylization. In fact, it constitutes a mingling of Northern European and Italian styles, of the dainty and exuberant, of ornate decoration and airy landscape. With an introduction and interleaved commentary by a practiced hand, and a soft etched cover simulating the original, this has equal appeal to connoisseurs and students.

Be the first to discover new talent!
Each week, our editors select the one author and one book they believe to be most worthy of your attention and highlight them in our Pro Connect email alert.
Sign up here to receive your FREE alerts.